Senegal’s new president, Macky Sall, has taken the oath of office, completing a smooth transition of power in the West African nation. Mr. Sall was sworn in Monday before thousands of dignitaries in a tent decorated with the red, yellow and green colors of Senegal’s flag. In brief remarks, he promised to uphold the constitution […]
Hungarian President Quits in Plagiarism Scandal
Posted April 2nd, 2012 at 10:00 am (UTC-5)
Hungary’s President Pal Schmitt has resigned after being stripped of his doctorate over plagiarism. Mr. Schmitt, who was elected to his largely ceremonial office in 2010, said he was stepping down because, in his words, “my personal issue divides my beloved nation rather than unites it.” Last week, Budapest’s Semmelweis University revoked his 1992 doctorate […]
In Europe, Unemployment Up, Manufacturing Down
Posted April 2nd, 2012 at 9:30 am (UTC-5)
New reports in the euro currency bloc show that Europe’s economic fortunes are declining, with unemployment up and manufacturing down. The European Union reported Monday that the jobless rate in the 17-nation eurozone edged higher in February to 10.8 percent. The new figure was the highest point since the currency was introduced in 1999. The […]
Pakistan Convicts bin Laden’s Widows
Posted April 2nd, 2012 at 9:10 am (UTC-5)
A Pakistani court has convicted the three widows of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and two of his daughters on charges of illegally residing in the country and has sentenced them to 45 days detention. The court has also ordered their deportation. The lawyer for the five women says they were each fined $110 and […]
Burma’s Opposition Party Wins By-Election in Landslide
Posted April 2nd, 2012 at 9:10 am (UTC-5)
Democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi declared a “new era” for Burma Monday, after she and fellow members of her party won a landslide victory in Sunday’s parliamentary by-elections. Burmese state media say partial election results show that the opposition National League for Democracy has so far won at least 40 of the 44 seats […]
NATO: Personal Problems Not Taliban Behind Most ‘Blue-on-Green’ Attacks
Posted April 2nd, 2012 at 9:00 am (UTC-5)
The NATO force in Afghanistan says insurgents are not responsible for most of the attacks by Afghan security force members on their NATO colleagues. The coalition instead blames personal grievances and battle stress suffered by Afghan troops. NATO spokesman Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson said Monday that investigators have found “signs and symptoms” that could have […]
Sall Sworn in As Senegal President
Posted April 2nd, 2012 at 8:20 am (UTC-5)
The new president of Senegal, Macky Sall, has taken the oath of office, completing a smooth transition of power from long-time president Abdoulaye Wade. Mr. Sall was sworn in before thousands of dignitaries in a tent decorated with the red, yellow and green colors of Senegal’s flag. Mr. Sall defeated former president Wade in a […]
West Africa to Discuss Sanctions on Mali
Posted April 2nd, 2012 at 7:40 am (UTC-5)
West African leaders meet Monday to discuss possible sanctions on Mali, where coup leaders have vowed to restore civilian rule but remain in power. Leaders from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, are scheduled to meet in Senegal following the expiration of a 72-hour deadline for military junta leaders to restore democracy. On […]
Pakistan Convicts bin Laden’s Widows
Posted April 2nd, 2012 at 7:15 am (UTC-5)
A Pakistani court has convicted the three widows of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and two of his daughters on charges of illegally residing in the country and has sentenced them to 45 days detention. The court has also ordered their deportation. The lawyer for the five women said they were each fined $110 and […]
Clashes Across Syria as Annan to Brief UN
Posted April 2nd, 2012 at 7:10 am (UTC-5)
Fresh violence erupted in Syria Monday between government and opposition forces as international envoy Kofi Annan prepared to brief the U.N. Security Council on his mission’s progress to ease the bloody crisis. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad killed two people in arrest raids in northern […]
